Metro Sport’s Premier League awards 2011

Reflecting on a sensational year of football, Metro Sport dishes out the awards for the very best and worst of 2011 featuring Robin van Persie,
Carlos Tevez,
Luis Suarez,
Fernando Torres and
Joey Barton.

Player of the year- Robin van Persie (Arsenal)

One-man Van: Arsenal’s Van Persie (Picture: REUTERS)

Almost no doubt about this one. The Dutchmanâs phenomenal return of league goals and all-round superb form in 2011 can only just be bettered by Ballon d’Or candidates Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi . But in England this year there’s been few comparable talents.

Although Andy Carroll was the direct replacement for Anfield darling Fernando Torres, itâs the Uruguayan that has taken over El Nino’s mantle of tormenting opposition defenders ever since joining in January for Â£22.5million. Disciplinary issues aside, he’s been a real coup for the Reds.

Honourable mentions:Scott Parker (Spurs), Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle)

Manager of the year- Harry Redknapp (Spurs)

T’rific: Redknapp (Picture: Action Images)

âArryâs inability to refrain from discussing transfer targets and his utter disdain for the Europa League has endeared him to many, and after winning a summer battle with Chelsea to hang on to Luka Modric, heâs led Spurs into their first realistic title challenge since 1984.

Only two real contenders for this one, and the Geordie pips it on the basis that Chelsea paid Â£50million for a World Cup winner who was a proven goal scorer at every level, while the Reds shelled out Â£35million for a player who, if three inches shorter, probably wouldnât be a footballer.

Tough one, but Van Persieâs strike across his body while on the move edges Rooneyâs spectacular (but shinned!) overhead kick, while Suarezâs nutmeg and curler against Stoke is a notable third choice.

Although Torres narrowly missed out on worst signing, thereâs no avoiding this gong. The Spaniard was just showing glimpses of returning to his former self at Old Trafford before he fired wide of a gaping net from six yards . Oops.

Another shoo-in. Love him or hate him, Barton has proved a Twitter revelation in 2011 and his social commentary, philosophy and love of helmets has had the world of football hooked – all in 140 characters or less.

Due to the Argentinean’s love of a legal notice, weâll have to justify this award by pointing out that we feel someone who gets paid in the region of Â£200k-a-week shouldprobablybe in the same country as his team-matesâ¦ Fair?

Although we feel Nasri received a slightly hard rap for leaving Arsenal to join a club with brighter prospects, who were offering him a bigger salary (shock!), he did reportedly try to engineer a move to Manchester United beforehand, soâ¦sorry Samir, youâre our No.1 slimy little bugger.

Honourable mention:Fernando Torres (Chelsea)

Do you agree with our choices? Have your say on who you’d have picked…